Aerospace Software Embedded Engineering Director

Woodward HRT/MPC; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 184,000 - 276,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Housing/Auto discounts

Job summary

Woodward is seeking a visionary Director of Engineering to lead a global software organization that designs and sustains aerospace systems. You will set strategic direction, drive technical excellence, and report to the VP of Engineering, guiding a team of 80+ engineers.

This role requires proven leadership in software engineering, deep knowledge of aerospace development standards, and the ability to align engineering efforts with business goals while delivering compliant, world-class products.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in software engineering and organizational management.
• Expertise in aerospace development standards and quality systems.
• Strong technical depth combined with financial acumen and market insight.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder influence skills.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing organization that designs, develops, and sustains cutting-edge products and systems for commercial aerospace.
• Report directly to the VP of Engineering and set the strategic direction.
• Guide a global team of 80+ talented software engineers and ensure compliance with standards.
• Foster innovation while maintaining rigorous quality and regulatory compliance (DO-178 DAL A and MIL-STD-882).

Skills

Software leadership

Aerospace standards

Strategic planning

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Estimated annual base pay: $184,000 (minimum) - $230,000 (midpoint) - $276,000 (maximum)

• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) & Annual Time Based Equity (Stock)
• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
• 12 paid holidays
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
• Member referral bonus
• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Voluntary benefits, including:
  • Home / Auto Insurance discounts
  • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Ready to Lead and Innovate?

If you're a visionary Director of Engineering with a passion for software and a drive to shape the future of aerospace technology, this is your opportunity to make an impact at a global scale.

As Director of Engineering, you'll lead a high-performing organization that designs, develops, and sustains cutting-edge products and systems for commercial aerospace. Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, you'll set the strategic direction, influence technical excellence, and guide a global team of 80+ talented software engineers. Your leadership will ensure compliance with the most rigorous standards-DO-178 DAL A and MIL-STD-882-while fostering innovation and breakthrough solutions.

Why This Role Matters

• Shape the Future: Drive systemic improvements and establish a strong design culture that delivers world-class, compliant products.
• Lead at Scale: Mentor and inspire a global team, championing career growth and aligning engineering excellence with organizational goals.
• Strategic Influence: Own product roadmaps, budgets, and infrastructure planning while representing the company at industry events and shaping competitive strategies.
• Innovate Relentlessly: Apply Design for Six Sigma, lean principles, Novel Agile Methodologies, and cutting-edge methods to eliminate waste and accelerate innovation.

What You'll Bring

• Proven leadership in software engineering and organizational management.
• Expertise in aerospace development standards and quality systems.
• Strong technical depth combined with financial acumen and market insight.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder influence skills.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

This isn't just a job-it's a chance to leave your mark on the next generation of aerospace technology while leading a team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans